Emergency crews respond to school over mold concerns

Parents were reportedly checking students out of the school early because of concerns about mold in the building.

DEKALB COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -

Fire trucks and EMA workers were on hand at Valley Head School in DeKalb County, Friday afternoon, over concerns about mold in the school.

Some parents were reportedly checking their children out of school early because of concerns about the mold.

EMA Director Anthony Clifton said they observed an area where a wall had fallen and black was found on the surface. Clifton said the school was dealing with a mold issue, but what was found turned out to be black paint. Some parents said the mold had been a concern after it was discovered some four months ago.

One parent expressed concern some of the walls contained asbestos. Clifton said the area of the school had been closed off for now, and lab tests were being done on the wall. He said school will resume again Monday, but some students will be placed in other locations away from the closed area.

Contractors will go into action during spring break to take care of the mold problem. School officials said they were made aware of the mold in the high school portion back in November. They found a contractor who will clean the first five rooms in a week beginning on March 22.

A meeting was scheduled between parents and school officials set for Monday at 5:30 at the school.